1. A Flock of Seagulls
When you think of the ’80s, chances are you picture Mike Score’s gravity-defying haircut as much as you hear “I Ran (So Far Away).” The 1982 hit became a defining anthem of the new wave era with its spacey synths and jangly guitar riffs that sounded futuristic at the time. MTV loved it, and the video, filled with mirrors and neon, became a regular rotation staple. For a brief moment, A Flock of Seagulls seemed like they would be a band that lasted well beyond one big song.
But despite the early momentum, the group couldn’t keep the hits coming. Their follow-up singles never broke through in the same way, leaving them in the shadows of their own success. By the mid-’80s, they had faded from the spotlight, remembered mostly for that one iconic hit and their outrageous style. Today, they live on in pop culture as the quintessential ’80s one-hit wonder.
2. Dexys Midnight Runners
“Come On Eileen” may be one of the most infectious songs of the decade, but it was also Dexys Midnight Runners’ only real U.S. success. The quirky, fiddle-driven anthem shot to the top of the charts in 1982 and became a global phenomenon. With its singalong chorus and distinctive look, the band captured lightning in a bottle. For many listeners, that single moment cemented them in music history.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t replicate the magic. Their later songs didn’t connect with American audiences, and their fame faded as quickly as it arrived. While they remained popular in the UK for a while longer, their international run was short-lived. Decades later, they are still remembered every time “Come On Eileen” fills a dance floor.
3. Men Without Hats
If you’ve ever been to a wedding or a party, chances are you’ve danced to “The Safety Dance.” Released in 1983, the song was silly, fun, and perfectly in step with the lighthearted spirit of the decade. The chant-like chorus and odd medieval-themed video made it stand out in the crowded new wave scene. For a time, it seemed like Men Without Hats had carved out their place in pop history.
But lightning didn’t strike twice. Their later singles never gained much traction, and the band slipped out of mainstream memory. Still, their quirky style and one major hit left a lasting impression. To this day, “The Safety Dance” continues to pop up in commercials, TV shows, and nostalgic playlists everywhere.
4. Tommy Tutone
The phone number 867-5309 is etched into pop culture thanks to Tommy Tutone’s 1981 hit “867-5309/Jenny.” The catchy rock anthem made prank calls to that number a nationwide phenomenon. Its mix of driving guitar and cheeky storytelling gave the band instant recognition. For a while, they seemed poised to become a radio staple.
But Tommy Tutone never managed to repeat that success. Their follow-up songs barely got airplay, and their popularity quickly faded. Over the years, they’ve become more of a trivia answer than a fixture of rock history. Still, that unforgettable number ensures they’ll never be completely forgotten.
5. Quarterflash
Quarterflash burst onto the scene in 1981 with “Harden My Heart.” Rindy Ross’s haunting vocals paired with her saxophone created a moody, memorable sound that stood out among other early MTV hits. The song quickly climbed the charts and introduced the band to a wide audience. For a moment, it looked like they were destined for a long career.
But the momentum didn’t last. While they had a couple of minor chart appearances, nothing matched the power of their debut hit. By the mid-’80s, they were slipping from the spotlight. Even so, “Harden My Heart” still takes listeners back instantly to the early days of the decade.
6. Cutting Crew
Cutting Crew made waves in 1986 with their emotional ballad “(I Just) Died in Your Arms.” The sweeping chorus and dramatic delivery struck a chord with listeners around the world. It raced to the top of the charts and gave the band instant international fame. For a time, they were everywhere.
But the follow-ups didn’t stick in people’s memories. Later singles never gained the same momentum, and their place in the spotlight faded quickly. By the early ’90s, they were mostly a memory to mainstream audiences. Still, that one heartfelt hit remains a radio favorite decades later.
7. Musical Youth
In 1982, a group of teenagers from Birmingham, England hit it big with “Pass the Dutchie.” The reggae-inspired tune was catchy, upbeat, and totally different from what was on the charts at the time. The song climbed to the top in the UK and cracked the Top 10 in the U.S., giving the young group a burst of international fame. Their youth and energy made them stand out, and for a moment it seemed like the beginning of a long career.
But following up such a massive debut turned out to be tough. Their later singles never caught on in the same way, and the novelty of a teen reggae group faded quickly. Within a few years, they were no longer in the spotlight, remembered mainly for that one joyful track. Decades later, “Pass the Dutchie” still brings back memories of the early ’80s and remains their lasting legacy.
8. The Vapors
The Vapors scored their big moment in 1980 with “Turning Japanese.” The quirky, jangly new wave track stood out with its cryptic lyrics and instantly catchy melody. It quickly climbed the charts and earned them international attention. For a band just starting out, it seemed like the perfect breakthrough.
But follow-up albums and singles failed to repeat the success. Listeners never connected with their later work in the same way, and the band eventually disbanded. “Turning Japanese” lived on, though, and continues to spark debates about its true meaning. That mystery has helped keep their one big hit alive in popular culture.
9. Frankie Goes to Hollywood
In 1984, Frankie Goes to Hollywood became a household name with “Relax.” The song’s driving beat, suggestive lyrics, and controversial ban by the BBC only fueled its success. It climbed charts across the world and made them one of the hottest acts of the moment. For a brief time, it felt like they might dominate the decade.
But their other singles didn’t have the same staying power, at least in America. After their debut album, the buzz started to fade, and the group eventually broke apart. Despite that, “Relax” never left the public consciousness. It remains one of the ultimate ’80s dance tracks, keeping their legacy alive.
10. Animotion
Animotion lit up the charts in 1984 with “Obsession.” The song’s heavy synths and over-the-top vocals captured the glitzy feel of the decade perfectly. It became a popular club track and earned constant radio play. Their look and sound seemed tailor-made for the era.
But when it came time for follow-up hits, nothing else stuck. Internal changes within the group only added to their difficulties. Soon, they faded into the background of ’80s music history. Still, “Obsession” endures as a quintessential track of the decade’s excess.
11. Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive gave us one of the most recognizable dance tracks of the ’80s with “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Pete Burns’ striking look and powerful vocals made the video unforgettable. The song became a worldwide smash, defining an era of high-energy pop. For a while, it seemed like they might keep the momentum going.
But outside of that single, they struggled to find lasting success in the U.S. They did better in Europe, but their American run was brief. Even so, “You Spin Me Round” never lost its place in pop culture. It’s still a guaranteed crowd-pleaser today.
12. Toni Basil
Toni Basil made history in 1982 with “Mickey,” the cheerleader chant that took over radio and MTV. With its infectious “Oh Mickey, you’re so fine” hook and her spirited dance in the music video, the song became a cultural phenomenon. It went all the way to No. 1 in the U.S. and turned Basil, who was also a choreographer and actress, into an overnight pop star. Few songs captured the playful, carefree vibe of the early ’80s quite like this one.
But despite the enormous success of “Mickey,” Basil never managed to score another chart-topping single. She continued working behind the scenes in choreography and film, but as a singer, she remained tied to that one unforgettable anthem. Even today, “Mickey” is instantly recognizable and often used in commercials and movies. It’s the song that cemented her as one of the most memorable one-hit wonders of the decade.
